Stories, updates & live moments from PMS Malawi

Children United in Christ, United in Mission: Dedza Diocese Celebrates 2026 Annual Mission Children's Congress The Diocese of Dedza successfully held its 2026 Diocesan Annual Mission Children's Congress from 14–16 August 2026 at St. Joseph High School, Bembeke, under the inspiring theme, "Children of the Diocese of Dedza, Be One with Christ, United in Mission." Inspired by the Holy Father's 2026 World Mission Sunday theme, "One in Christ, United in Mission," the congress called children to deepen their friendship with Christ and actively participate in the Church's missionary mission. The Diocesan Annual Mission Children's Congress is organised every year to encourage, strengthen, and celebrate the missionary spirit among children. Guided by the Pope's annual World Mission Sunday theme, the gathering provides an opportunity for children to grow in faith, receive missionary formation, and share experiences from their parish missionary activities. Previous congresses were held at Mua Parish in 2024 and Tsangano Parish in 2025. Following this year's successful gathering at Bembeke Cathedral, Mtakataka Parish will host the 2027 congress. This year's congress brought together more than 965 children from 12 of the Diocese's 19 parishes. During the three-day programme, the participants received formation in various aspects of the Catholic faith and missionary life. The Diocesan PMS Director led sessions on the theme of the year, the lives of the patron saints, and the founder of the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood. Ms. Rose Chimsewu facilitated a lesson on the Children's World Mission Rosary, while Fr. Flavius Makwinja guided the children and their animators through the liturgy, the liturgical seasons, and the meaning of sacramentals. In addition to the formation sessions, the congress offered opportunities for fellowship and joyful celebration. Children showcased traditional dances, music, poems, and other cultural performances, while also participating in games and enjoying both sacred and wholesome recreational music, fostering unity and friendship among participants from different parishes. The congress concluded with a Holy Mass on 16 August 2026 at Bembeke Cathedral, presided over by Fr. G. Bwemba, who represented the Bishop of Dedza, Rt. Rev. Peter Chifukwa. In his homily, Fr. Bwemba reminded the congregation that the Holy Father continues to call the Church to promote unity, peace, and justice. Conveying the Bishop's message, he thanked all stakeholders whose dedication ensured the success of the 2026 Diocesan Annual Mission Children's Congress. He further encouraged the children to remain united, live peacefully with one another, work hard in school, remain faithful to the Church and missionary activities, and prepare diligently for the Sacraments, especially the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist. Speaking on behalf of the participants, the children's representative expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Flavius Makwinja for his enlightening lessons on the liturgy. He observed that although many boys serve as altar servers, they had not fully understood the meaning and symbolism behind many liturgical vestments and practices. He said the sessions had greatly enriched their understanding of the Church's liturgy. He also thanked the Diocesan PMS Director for his inspiring presentations on the Holy Father's 2026 World Mission Sunday theme and other missionary topics that challenged the children to become active missionaries in their families, schools, parishes, and communities. The Diocese of Dedza believes that combining missionary formation with celebration is essential in nurturing young disciples. By investing in the spiritual and missionary formation of children and their animators, the Diocese is strengthening the future of the Church, deepening the faith of its young people, and raising a new generation of Catholics who are truly One in Christ, United in Mission.

Congratulations to the Best Performing Minor Seminaries in Malawi The Pontifical Mission Society of St. Peter the Apostle warmly congratulates the Minor Seminaries in Malawi for their outstanding performance in the 2026 Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) Examinations. We are especially delighted that one Minor Seminary has been ranked among the Top Ten Best Schools in the country, while five out of the seven Minor Seminaries have been ranked among the Top Ten Private Schools. We give thanks to Almighty God for the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the seminarians, formators, teachers, and staff whose efforts have contributed to this remarkable achievement. As the Pontifical Mission Society entrusted with supporting seminaries and the formation of future priests, we rejoice in these encouraging results. Your success is a source of joy and hope for the entire missionary family, reflecting the fruits of holistic formation and the importance of investing in the future shepherds of the Church. May the Lord continue to bless our seminarians, formators, teachers, and all those who generously support priestly formation in Malawi. May He grant you wisdom, perseverance, and continued success in your academic and spiritual journey. Congratulations once again to all the Minor Seminaries! Continue striving for excellence while placing your trust in God in all that you do. Pontifical Mission Society of St. Peter the Apostle – Malawi

ONE MILLION CHILDREN PRAYING THE ROSARY FOR PEACE AND UNITY 2026 Each year, the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Malawi, in collaboration with Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), facilitate the participation of children in the worldwide spiritual initiative, “One Million Children Praying the Rosary for Peace and Unity.” This prayer initiative brings together children from all over the world in a spirit of faith and solidarity, united in praying the Holy Rosary for peace, unity, and an end to conflicts and divisions in our world. In 2026, this spiritual exercise will take place on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, in all the dioceses of Malawi, with the National Celebration taking place at Salima Parish. The National Celebration will also be graced by the presence of Msgr. Nguyen, Secretary General of the Pontifical Missionary Union, who will be in Malawi for the National Centenary Celebration of World Mission Sunday. We are expecting an even greater number of children to participate this year, as the number of children taking part in this prayer initiative continues to increase each year. Through their simple but powerful prayer, children are encouraged to become instruments of peace and witnesses of unity in their families, communities, country, and the world. To help children and animators prepare adequately for this spiritual exercise, Aid to the Church in Need has provided prayer and animation materials to PMS Malawi. These materials include letters addressed to children and animators, offering guidance and encouragement for meaningful and prayerful participation in the initiative. A poster has also been prepared to remind everyone of the date of this important spiritual exercise, which will take place in all the dioceses of Malawi. As we prepare for this important day, we encourage all dioceses, parishes, schools, catechists, animators, parents, and children to participate actively and prayerfully. Together, let us unite our children in prayer for peace and

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🌱 HARVESTING THE FRUITS OF OUR SEMINARIES 🌱 As the journey of nurturing vocations and bearing fruit from our seminaries continues, the Diocese of Mangochi is preparing to harvest three new priests: Deacon Lucius J. Banda, Deacon Alfred Semani Banda, and Deacon Joseph Banda, who will be ordained this coming Saturday, 15 August 2026, at St Louis Mountfort Parish in Balaka. The Pontifical Society of St Peter the Apostle rejoices with the Diocese of Mangochi and the entire Church in Malawi for these precious fruits of priestly formation. These vocations are a visible sign of God's generosity and of the faithful support of many benefactors and benefactresses who continue to make the formation of seminarians possible through their prayers, sacrifices, and financial contributions. Dear ordinands, as you begin this new chapter of your priestly ministry, may you become true missionary ambassadors, bringing Christ to His people and serving the Church with humility, courage, and love. May your priesthood bear abundant fruit for the mission of the Church and inspire many more young men to respond generously to God's call. The Pontifical Mission Societies in Malawi, together with the International Secretariat of the Pontifical Society of St Peter the Apostle, wishes you every blessing and success as you answer God's call to serve His people. 🙏 Congratulations, dear brothers! May your priestly ministry be fruitful and missionary! 🌍 One in Christ, United in Mission.

DIOCESE OF DEDZA INTENSIFIES WORLD MISSION SUNDAY CENTENARY PREPARATIONS WITH ANNUAL “GOLDEN PAPER SUNDAY” INITIATIVE As the Church draws closer to the Centenary Celebration of World Mission Sunday, preparations are gaining momentum across all dioceses in Malawi. In addition to launching various activities, dioceses have developed programmes aimed at sensitising the faithful about the missionary significance of World Mission Sunday and encouraging greater participation in the missionary mission of the Church. In the Diocese of Dedza, the diocesan Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) office is once again implementing its annual “Golden Paper Sunday” initiative as part of its preparations for this year’s World Mission Sunday. The initiative is not new, but has been conducted in the diocese every year as a way of mobilising the faithful to participate actively in the World Mission Sunday collection and strengthening awareness of the Church’s universal missionary mission. However, as Malawi prepares to celebrate the Centenary of World Mission Sunday, the Diocese of Dedza has placed renewed emphasis on the initiative, using it as an opportunity to deepen missionary animation and encourage greater participation among the faithful. According to a letter received by the National PMS Office, the initiative has received the blessing and support of the Bishop of Dedza, Rt. Rev. Peter Chifukwa, with priests assigned to different parishes across the diocese to animate the faithful, promote missionary awareness and encourage generous participation in the World Mission Sunday collection. The diocesan World Mission Sunday celebration will take place at Sharpevale Parish, where Rt. Rev. Peter Chifukwa will preside over the celebration. The following priests have been assigned to various parishes: - Rt. Rev. Peter Chifukwa – Sharpevale Parish - Fr. Sylvester Kasimbi – Bilira Parish - Fr. Paul Sanogo – Ganya Parish - Fr. Sosten Office – Mua Parish - Fr. Humphrey Chafukira – Mtakataka Parish - Fr. Lazurs Magonde – Chipoka Parish - Fr. Innocent Kanyumbu – Nsipe Parish - Fr. Vinancio Chimchenga – Mikoke Parish - Fr. Dafuleni – Ntcheu Parish - Fr. Kaidi – Nzama Parish - Fr. Athanasius Manyenga – Tsangano Parish - Fr. Paul Abraham – Mtendere Parish - Fr. Chanza – Kasina Parish - Fr. Mortfort Mtengo – Bembeke Parish - Fr. M. Khisi – Matumba Parish - Fr. Martin Botomani – Chimphalika Parish - Fr. Paul Kalemba – Dedza Parish - Fr. Madalitso Pinji – Kanyama Parish - Fr. Andrew Mtendere – Chiphwanya Parish Contribution Targets As part of the annual Golden Paper Sunday initiative, each Small Christian Community (SCC) across the Diocese of Dedza is expected to contribute not less than MK 8,000 towards the World Mission Sunday collection. At Sharpevale Parish, which will host the diocesan World Mission Sunday celebration, the contribution target has been increased in view of the importance of hosting the diocesan celebration. Each Small Christian Community is expected to contribute MK 30,000, while each church group is expected to contribute MK 10,000. The initiative is intended not only to strengthen the World Mission Sunday collection but also to deepen the understanding among the faithful that World Mission Sunday is an opportunity for Catholics to participate directly in the universal missionary work of the Church. Through Golden Paper Sunday, the Diocese of Dedza continues to strengthen missionary animation at parish and Small Christian Community level. Catholics are being encouraged to recognise that their prayers, sacrifices and financial contributions are an important part of the Church’s missionary work, particularly in communities where the proclamation of the Gospel and essential pastoral services continue to require support. As Malawi prepares to celebrate the Centenary of World Mission Sunday, the annual initiative is taking on renewed significance. It provides an opportunity for the faithful in Dedza to reflect more deeply on their missionary responsibility and to renew their commitment to supporting the Church’s evangelising mission. The Centenary celebration is being observed under the national theme, “One in Christ, United in Mission.” It provides an important opportunity for Catholics across Malawi to look back with gratitude on a century of World Mission Sunday while renewing their commitment to the missionary mission of Christ. The continued implementation of initiatives such as Golden Paper Sunday demonstrates that missionary responsibility is not limited to priests, religious or missionaries serving in distant places. Rather, every Catholic is called to participate in the mission of the Church through prayer, sacrifice, personal witness and generous support. Through its renewed emphasis on this annual initiative during the Centenary year, the Diocese of Dedza is helping to keep the missionary spirit of World Mission Sunday alive among the faithful and encouraging Catholics to recognise that, together as one Church, everyone has a role to play in the mission of Christ.

The office of PMS in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe Urges Catholics to Renew Missionary Commitment Ahead of World Mission Sunday Centenary The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe has called on Catholics to renew their commitment to the missionary work of the Church through prayer, active participation and generous support as the Church prepares to celebrate the Centenary of World Mission Sunday. The call was made on Sunday, 9 August 2026, by the Archdiocesan PMS Director, Father Geoffrey Chikapa, at St. Clara Outstation under St. Francis de Sales Manyani Parish, during the opening of Mission Month animations in the Archdiocese. The Mission Month animations are part of the Church’s preparations for the Centenary celebration of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, which has played a significant role in promoting and supporting the missionary mission of the Catholic Church around the world. Father Chikapa said the Centenary provides an important opportunity for Catholics to reflect on the missionary responsibility of every baptized Christian and to appreciate the contribution of the Society to spreading the Word of God and supporting missionary activities across the world. He therefore encouraged the faithful to make prayer for missions a priority and to support missionary work generously, stressing that the mission of the Church is the responsibility of every Christian. In Malawi, the national Centenary celebration will take place on 3 October 2026 in the Diocese of Mzuzu. Father Chikapa further urged parishioners to actively participate in the Mission Month activities and prepare spiritually for the national Centenary celebration. He expressed satisfaction with the beginning of the Mission Month animations at Manyani Parish, encouraging Christians to participate fully in the programmes and translate the teachings into concrete action in their families, communities and the Church. Speaking during the opening ceremony, Bwera Zone Chairperson Benedict Tobias said the Mission Month animations have helped Christians gain a deeper understanding of their responsibilities in the Catholic Church. Tobias said the lessons would be put into practice by strengthening the prayer life of Christians and encouraging greater support for the missionary activities of the Church. St. Francis de Sales Manyani Parish is leading the Mission Month activities in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe this year. The Mission Month activities are expected to continue across the Archdiocese as Catholics prepare for the historic Centenary celebration under the call to renew their missionary commitment through prayer, participation and support for the mission of the Church.

True Healing Begins with a Converted Heart Today, as we celebrate the Memorial of , our readings remind us that God desires not only outward religious observance but, above all, hearts that are converted and filled with His grace. St. John Mary Vianney lived this truth by dedicating his life to prayer and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, believing that true healing begins when the human heart returns to God. In the first reading (Jeremiah 30:1–2, 12–15, 18–22), God acknowledges the wounds of His people. Although their suffering is the result of sin, He does not abandon them. Instead, He promises healing, restoration, and a renewed relationship: "You shall be my people, and I will be your God." In the Gospel (Matthew 15:1–2, 10–14), Jesus teaches that true holiness is not found in external religious practices alone but in a heart that is sincere and obedient to God. He warns against spiritual blindness and calls us to authentic faith. Today's readings invite us to examine our own lives. God looks first at our hearts, not just our outward actions. Though sin wounds us, God never stops offering us forgiveness and healing. Like St. John Mary Vianney, may we seek true conversion and become faithful witnesses who lead others to Christ today and always.

Congratulations on Your Ordination to the Priesthood 8th August 2026 Deacon Benjamin Diya Ordination to the priesthood is one of the most joyful and significant moments in a person's life. It is a special gift from God and the beginning of a lifelong mission of serving God's people. On the occasion of your ordination to the priesthood on 8th August 2026, the Pontifical Mission Society of St. Peter the Apostle in Malawi warmly congratulates you on reaching this important milestone. We are truly delighted to see that the seminarian we have been privileged to support during your formation has now been called to the sacred ministry of the priesthood. Your ordination brings great joy not only to us but also to the many generous benefactors around the world whose prayers, sacrifices, and financial support have contributed to your priestly formation. Today, they rejoice with the Church as they witness the fruits of their generosity. As you begin your priestly ministry, we pray that the Good Shepherd will guide and strengthen you. May He fill you with wisdom, holiness, zeal, and a true missionary spirit, so that your life and ministry may bring many people closer to Christ. The Pontifical Mission Society of St. Peter the Apostle in Malawi wishes you every blessing as you begin this beautiful vocation. May your priesthood be fruitful, joyful, and a faithful witness to the Gospel throughout the years of your ministry. Congratulations on your priestly ordination, and may God bless you abundantly.

Diocese of Dedza Launches Preparations for the 2026 World Mission Sunday Centenary The Diocese of Dedza has officially launched its preparations for the forthcoming National Centenary Celebration of World Mission Sunday, which will take place on 3 October 2026 at Mzuzu Stadium, followed by the celebration of World Mission Sunday on 18 October 2026 in all Catholic parishes across Malawi. The Bishop of Dedza, Rt. Rev. P. Chifukwa, delegated the Diocesan PMS Director, Fr. L. Sulumba, to preside over the launch, which was held at Sharpevale Parish. Among those in attendance were the Parish Priest, Fr. Gift Selemani, Br. E. Rexford, catechists, parishioners from Sharpevale Church, and representatives from all the five Centres of the parish. Approximately 1,000 faithful participated in the ceremony. The event was recorded by Radio Maria Malawi and is scheduled for broadcast on 4 August, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. Sharpevale Joint Choir animated the celebration with joyful singing. In his homily, Fr. Sulumba connected the liturgical readings of the day with the Holy Father's 2026 World Mission Sunday Message, emphasizing the themes of love, unity and missionary responsibility. Reflecting on the Gospel of the multiplication of the loaves, he encouraged the faithful to imitate the Apostles, who took the initiative to find the five loaves and two fish so that Jesus could feed the multitude.He urged parishioners throughout the Diocese of Dedza to become active collaborators in Christ's mission by participating in Parish Paper Sundays, supporting the preparations for the 125th Anniversary of Catholicity in Malawi to be celebrated at Nzama Parish on 19 September 2026, contributing generously towards the National Centenary Celebration in Mzuzu, composing and promoting World Mission Sunday songs through parish choirs and St. Charles and St. Bernadette groups, and preparing spiritually for a fruitful celebration of World Mission Sunday on 18 October 2026. Before the introductory rites of the Mass, Br. E. Rexford read a brief history of World Mission Sunday and its centenary, prepared by the Diocesan PMS Office. The presentation helped to deepen the faithful's understanding of the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies, especially the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, and highlighted how the Diocese of Dedza has benefited from missionary solidarity funds. In their remarks, the Parish Priest, the Chairperson of the Parish Council, and the Chairperson of the Parish PMS Animators reaffirmed the parish's commitment to supporting the missionary work of the Church. They announced that every Small Christian Community would contribute MK30,000, while each church group would contribute MK10,000, with the parish aiming to raise MK4,000,000 for the 2026 World Mission Sunday celebrations. To achieve this goal, the parish adopted five fundraising strategies: 1. Contributions from Small Christian Communities and parish sodalities. 2. Donations from friends of Sharpevale Parish living in the diaspora. 3. Appeals through envelopes to notable benefactors. 4. Door-to-door fundraising visits by PMS Animators and the youth to families. 5. The World Mission Sunday collection on 18 October 2026. The launch concluded with renewed enthusiasm and a strong commitment from the faithful to support the Church's missionary mandate under the centenary theme, "One in Christ, United in Mission."